This is just crazy!
The latest court appearance for Ryan Wesley Routh, the individual charged in the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, unfolded under tense circumstances. On Monday, in a federal courtroom in West Palm Beach, Florida, Routh, 58, appeared in jail attire, with shackles on his wrists and ankles. Despite the gravity of his situation, Routh was observed smiling and laughing while conversing with his court-appointed attorney before the hearing commenced, as noted by Fox News.
The courtroom, devoid of cameras, was the setting for Routh’s initial hearing on charges of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The judge outlined the potential penalties for these charges, which could lead to significant prison time. The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release, while the second charge carries up to 5 years in prison, along with the same fine and release conditions. Routh acknowledged his understanding of these potential penalties.
Routh indicated his financial inability to hire a private attorney, revealing that he makes about $3,000 a month, has no savings, and owns no property, apart from two trucks in Hawaii valued at about $1,000 each. He also supports his 25-year-old son and does not possess any notable assets like jewelry.
Prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Adam McMichael, argued for Routh’s continued detention, citing concerns about flight risk and an alleged attempt to obstruct justice. A detention hearing has been scheduled for September 23, with a probable cause hearing set for September 30. The prosecution has warned that additional federal charges may be forthcoming.
Routh was apprehended on Sunday after authorities spotted the barrel of a rifle protruding from shrubbery at the golf course where Trump was playing. Initially described as an AK-style rifle, the weapon recovered was later identified as an SKS-style rifle, with its serial number obliterated. According to an FBI affidavit, this type of rifle is not commonly manufactured in Florida, suggesting it may have traveled interstate or internationally. Routh allegedly fled the scene, leaving behind the rifle, two backpacks, an aiming scope, and a GoPro camera. He was later arrested in a neighboring county.
This incident marks the second assassination attempt against Trump in recent months, following a shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, where a bullet narrowly missed him.